Safeback SBX: A New Avalanche Survival System

Safeback SBX: A New Avalanche Survival System

Author: BLISTER May 5, 2023 Duration: 1:05:53

If you spend any time — inbounds or in the backcountry — skiing or riding in avalanche terrain or near tree wells, then you need to listen to this episode. Because we’re talking about a new system designed to increase your chances of survival if buried in an avalanche or tree well: the Safeback SBX. Our guest is Tor Berge, the CEO of the Norwegian company, Safeback, and Tor and I have a wide ranging conversation about avy gear in general, while also diving deep into the development process of their SBX system and exactly how it works. There’s lots of good food for thought in this one.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • What sparked the idea? (2:49)
  • Buying More Time while Buried (6:40)
  • Defining the Problem: Trauma & Asphyxia (9:52)
  • Activating the System (15:41)
  • Integration: Backpacks, Vests, & Airbags (17:33)
  • Difficulty of Development (28:55)
  • Which snow type is best for O2 Circulation? (34:45)
  • JE’s Experience in Argentina (38:17)
  • Surprising Findings in Development? (41:31)
  • Certification Process (43:38)
  • Tree Wells (49:19)
  • Price (55:16)
  • Crashes & Close Calls (57:19)
  • What We’re Celebrating (1:02:54)

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 391

GEAR:30
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